#TuesdayToolsAndTechniques October 10

Unveiling the Artistic Magic of Gesso

Greetings, art enthusiasts! It's Tuesday, and that means it's time to dive into another captivating installment of #TuesdayToolsAndTechniques. Today, we embark on a journey into the world of gesso, a magical elixir of the art realm.

What is Gesso?

Pronounced "jeh-sow," gesso is a liquid material that serves as a foundational layer for your canvas or board before you apply your paints. Its primary role is to prepare the surface, gently roughing it up to prevent the paint from seeping through the fabric of the canvas. Beyond this, gesso plays a pivotal role in preserving the purity of colors, especially when working with white.

Traditionally, gesso is known for its pristine white hue, but it can also be found in clear, black, or colored variations. What's fascinating is that gesso isn't limited to canvas alone; it can be applied to an array of surfaces such as vinyl records, cardboard, wooden objects, letters, cigar boxes, and yes, even rocks. In one of our online classes, "Soul Rocks: Acrylic Painting, Meditation, & Connection Stones," we've ventured into the art of gessoing rocks, transforming them into canvas-like surfaces for acrylic painting. (For more on this class, check it out here.)

Types of Gesso

There are two distinct grades of gesso: student grade and artist grade. Student-grade gesso contains more filler, while artist-grade gesso boasts a higher pigment concentration. Your choice between the two depends on your artistic objectives and the desired end result.

Priming Your Canvas with Gesso

To prime your canvas effectively, you'll need your canvas, a brush, and your trusty gesso. The key here is to apply gesso evenly, ensuring that it covers the surface seamlessly. My preferred technique involves priming horizontally first, allowing it to dry, and then repeating the process vertically. If a perfectly smooth canvas is your goal, a light sanding with high-grit sandpaper (typically 400 or higher) after the first layer has dried can provide that extra polish. However, it's worth noting that this step isn't mandatory; you can opt to simply prime with gesso and dive right into your painting.

As you embark on your next artistic creation, remember the golden rule: Don't forget to gesso! Your painting will undoubtedly thank you.

So, here's to unleashing the power of gesso in your artistic endeavors. It's a humble yet indispensable tool that sets the stage for your creative masterpiece. #TuesdayToolsAndTechniques continues to illuminate the art world one tool at a time. Happy painting!

"Soulful Rocks: Painting, Meditation & Connection Stones" is an online course that offers a unique blend of artistic expression and mindfulness. In this course, you'll embark on a creative journey that will not only boost your confidence in acrylic painting but also provide a platform for inner reflection and connection with your emotions.

Key highlights of the course include:

1. Acrylic Painting Mastery: You'll gain confidence in working with acrylic paints by learning a comprehensive set of 24 painting techniques. Step-by-step instructions ensure that artists of all levels can participate and excel.
2. Me Time: Take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life and invest in some well-deserved 'me time.' This course encourages self-care and self-expression.
3. Pride and Enjoyment: As you create beautifully painted rocks with short, meaningful intentions, you'll experience a sense of pride and immense enjoyment in the creative process.
4. Personalized Connection Stones: Each painted rock becomes a tangible representation of your inner emotions and intentions. These colorful rocks can be used to ground yourself on a daily basis.
5. Self-Paced Learning: You have the flexibility to go at your own pace, making it perfect for individuals with varying schedules and commitments.
6. Direct Access to the Teacher: Benefit from weekly Zoom sessions with the course instructor, offering a unique opportunity to seek guidance, ask questions, and connect with the teacher and fellow participants.
7. Guided Meditations: Immerse yourself in guided meditations that enhance your connection with your artwork and inner self, fostering a deeper sense of mindfulness.

By enrolling in "Soulful Rocks," you'll be guided through a process that seamlessly combines creativity and meditation. As you create your collection of intention-filled rocks, you'll not only experience the joy of artistic expression but also find a grounding force for your emotions in your daily life.

To embark on this fun and relaxing journey of self-discovery and creativity, simply visit https://www.barbaralynnburns.com/soulfulrocks  and sign up for the course. It's time to paint, meditate, and connect with your inner self through the beauty of Soulful Rocks.